Protest over waterloggingSTAFF Reporter GUWAHATI, May 11 – Residents of Anil Nagar and adjoining areas today took to the streets shouting anti-government slogans demanding permanent solution to the longstanding problem of waterlogging in their locality.

Taking potshots at Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) chairperson Robin Bordoloi, the aggrieved residents of Anil Nagar area hold the Government machinery responsible for the death of Basanti Devi and demanded resignation of those at the helm of affairs

The locals as a mark of protest also blocked the Rajgarh Road which connects the GS Road with the RG Baruah Road and the MRD Road.

“The GMDA chief Robin Bordoloi instead of identifying with the issue of the voters has been making irresponsible comments. He has no right to be at the post and should call it quits,” an aggrieved resident of the area said.

Siva Dowerah, another resident of the area, while ruing over the government’s apathy, demanded that the department concerned must solve the chronic problem of the area within a specified time frame and that the financial aid given to Basanti Devi should be increased. “In case the Government does not fulfill its commitment, we would intensify our agitation,” Dowerah said.

Incessant rainfall resulted in artificial flood in a number of localities in Guwahati, the most affected areas being Anil Nagar and Nabin Nagar. Public grievances escalated this season when Basanti Devi, a resident of Anil Nagar area, died due to electrocution after she came in contact with a live electric wire on May 9 night.

Later, the protesters withdrew the agitation after representatives of the district administration assured to take necessary steps to do away with the problems arising out of water logging.

Guwahati MP and senior Bharatiya Janata Party member Bijoya Chakravarty also arrived at the spot and flayed the government for not being able to address the issue of the common people.

The former Union Water Resources Minister also discussed the issues with the ASEB officials who were present on the occasion.